Rolls-Royce Announces Reduction of Fuel Use by C-130s

Feb. 12, 2014 - 12:02PM
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A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130 Hercules performs at the Australian International Airshow in 2009. A study by Rolls-Toyce and the RAAF found ways for the C-130 to save fuel in operations. (Agence France-Presse)

SINGAPORE — Rolls-Royce, manufacturer of the AE2100D3 turboprop engine that powers the C-130 cargo plane, announced that its fuel management study, carried out in conjunction with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), has demonstrated a 15 percent fuel savings.

Rolls-Royce signed a 12-month fuel management contract with the RAAF in February 2012 to analyze the usage of fuel by the Air Force’s C-130J-30 fleet, using technology developed by its subsidiary, Optimised Systems and Solutions.

Speaking Wednesday at the Singapore Airshow, Rolls-Royce’s senior vice president for Pacific Rim and South Asia, Rob Watson, told Defense News that an analysis of the data through 2013 has indicated a 15 percent reduction in fuel burn.

“We had a productive year, working with the Royal Australian Air Force and No. 37 Squadron to adapt the data to their operational philosophy,” he said. “We are encouraged by the results.”

Australia is the first nation to sign up for the service in the defense market, but the technology is used in Rolls-Royce’s civilian business. The company says the technology can apply to a wide range of aircraft, including Australia’s future fleet of twin-engine C-27J Spartan cargo planes, which will use the similar AE2100D2 turboprop engine. ■